The NBA is expanding its presence in Kenya through a groundbreaking youth development program, combining basketball training with financial literacy.
NBA Africa has made its biggest push yet with the aim of developing young basketball talent in Kenya through the launch of the M-PESA Jr. NBA program.
The move is an ambitious initiative looking to provide elite training, tournaments, and life-skills education to over 10,000 boys and girls.
There are regional tournaments that have been set for Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu, with the program marking the league’s most expansive youth development effort in East Africa to date.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
Usain Bolt has expressed disappointment in Yohan Blake and others for failing to follow Coach Glen Mills’ guidance, which led to their struggles.
The initiative tipped off with a coaching clinic for over 100 local trainers at SABIS International School in Nairobi on February 15, laying the foundation for what is expected to be a game-changing opportunity for young Kenyan athletes.
The program will also look to feature regional tournaments for players aged 13 to 16, culminating in an elite top 100 camp in Mombasa this April.
“This is an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to make basketball more accessible to Kenyan boys and girls,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi.
)
Greats of the current generation of sprinters have earned comparison to Usain Bolt but it is a mystery Jamaican athlete that got the world’s fastest man’s nod.
“We look forward to positively impacting youth and coaches across the country through basketball development and life-skills programming.”
Meanwhile, the program is backed by M-PESA, Safaricom’s revolutionary mobile payment platform, which is not only supporting the competition financially but also providing financial literacy workshops for young athletes.
Through M-PESA Go, the initiative aims to equip participants with essential financial skills, ensuring they understand the value of money both on and off the court.
)
Discover the top five richest African footballers of all time, their net worth, earnings, endorsements, and business ventures in 2024.
“Through M-PESA Go, this partnership transcends beyond basketball. It is driven by a shared vision to create a lasting impact, not only in sports but also in the broader context of youth empowerment,” said Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa.
“We are committed to nurturing potential, building character, and equipping the next generation with the tools necessary for success.”
With basketball’s popularity continuing to rise across Africa and more players from the continent making an impact in the NBA, this program provides a significant opportunity for young Kenyan talent to develop their skills and compete at a higher level.
As NBA Africa strengthens its presence on the continent, initiatives like the M-PESA Jr. NBA program could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Kenyan basketball.
